StellaJames (1916 - 2013)

Longtime Sherwood Valley resident Stella James died Sunday, April 21, 2013, at her home. She was 97.Stella was born March 12, 1916, in Alberta, Canada, to Herman Henry Steen and Elizabeth Huenergardt. Her family homesteaded in Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Alberta. They moved to the United States in 1923 and to the Willits area in 1928, settling on the Wheelbarrow Ranch north of Willits.Stella was 17 when she married her husband, Edgar James, also a longtime resident of Willits, in 1933. They spent 51 years together, until his death in 1984. She was married to her second husband, Capt. Clifford Keith Gregor for 15 years.She was a charter member of the Willits Horsemen's Association from 1947 to 2013, and a member of the Grange for many years. She was queen of the Fortuna Rodeo, along with accomplishments too numerous to mention.Stella was fond of saying she was "The last leaf on the tree". What a strong, green, vibrant leaf she was.She was a true pioneer.The family wishes to thank the many friends who cared for Stella over her long life. She thought of them as family, and we are grateful to them for making her life richer.Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 2, at Agape Bible Church, 290 South Lenore Avenue.Anker-Lucier Mortuary is handling arrangements.